The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional round to advance to the NFC Championship Game next weekend, winning in a 19-12 bout after holding their opponent scoreless over the last 11 minutes of the game.
However, their win came without a sack from their star defensive end Nick Bosa, who has now gone without a sack in two consecutive weeks for the first time since Weeks 16 and 17 of the 2021 season, playoffs included.
Bosa had only gone three games without a sack in the regular season, but has now missed a sack in two consecutive games, including a zero-pressure game against the Seahawks last weekend.
But, zero sacks don't mean zero impact, and Bosa believed that his performance was a good one following San Francisco's win.
"I played my heart out tonight and I think I did a good job," said Bosa. "I'm always happy after a playoff win, but I feel like I did a good part in the win today.
The star defensive then added that sacks come in bunches, perhaps alluding to a strong finish to the season with the 49ers traveling to face the Philadelphia Eagles next weekend.
"Sacks [happen] and they don't happen. They come in bunches though, so we'll see."
Bosa's theory seems to match well with his statistics this season, as he had stretches of four and consecutive games with a sack(Weeks 1-4 and 7-13).
The star edge rusher flipped between the left and right side of the offensive line, matching up against Cowboys tackles Tyron Smith and Tyler Smith.
Against the latter, Bosa was able to force a holding penalty, as well as a false start. But, against the former, who has been one of the better left tackles since he entered the NFL, Bosa believes he got the better of his counterpart.
"I think I did pretty solid [against Tyron Smith]. He's obviously one of the best ever, but I think I had my way with him."
Bosa will have his work cut out for him next week as well, since the 49ers are facing perhaps the best tackle duo in the NFL in Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles.